Washington County investigators disarmed a pipe bomb at the home of a Limestone man who was arrested along with at least six others in connection to crystal methamphetamine found in a field in Limestone.

Deputies went looking for Richard L. Shelton, 41, at his residence, 2810 Old State Route 34, After linking the approximately 4.5 ounces of crystal meth to him, but found themselves disarming a pipe bomb instead, according to a press release.

Authorities located Shelton a short time later and charged him in federal court with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of pure methamphetamine and intentional making of a destructive device after he reportedly admitted to possessing the crystal meth and making two pipe bombs, including the one found in his home, the release stated.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October. Shelton's case has been handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration and The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives.

During the investigation, charges have been placed against six others whose sentences are pending, including Mark Nunley, Cassi Hogan and Larry Scism of Greeneville, Tenn.

The trio each are charged with a single count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

Federico Deutsch-Mendoza and Arnuflo Sandoval-Hernandez, each of South Carolina, also are charged with one count each of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

Georgia resident Hector Lara-Alvarado also has been convicted Aug. 16 in Greeneville Federal Court of multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, and distribution of 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

The seven arrested have entered guilty pleas and are currently awaiting sentencing.